Arch vs. Arc: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An arch is a curved structure spanning an opening, while an arc is a part of the circumference of a circle or other curve.
Key Differences
An arch is a structural element in architecture, forming a curved shape that spans an opening and supports weight from above. An arc, however, is a portion of the perimeter of a circle or other curved shape, often described in terms of geometry or physics.
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Nov 19, 2023
Arch is often used in the context of buildings or bridges, symbolizing strength and stability due to its ability to distribute weight. Arc is a term commonly used in mathematics and science, referring to a continuous portion of a circle or curve.
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Architecturally, an arch can be a decorative or functional element, seen in doorways, windows, or as freestanding monuments. In contrast, an arc is a concept used in calculations and measurements in geometry, like determining the length of a curved line.
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An arch is not only a physical structure but can also symbolize an entry or passage. An arc, on the other hand, is often associated with the trajectory of objects in motion, such as a ball thrown in a curved path.
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In terms of appearance, arches are often symmetrical and can be part of a larger structural design. Arcs are segments of curves and are defined by their curvature and the angle they subtend at the center of the circle they are part of.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Curved structure spanning an opening
Part of the circumference of a circle or curve
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Context of Usage
Architecture, structural design
Mathematics, physics, geometry
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Symbolism/Association
Strength, stability, passage
Trajectory, movement, measurements
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Physical Appearance
Often symmetrical, structural element
Segment of a curve, defined by curvature
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Arch and Arc Definitions
Arch
Symbolizing an entry or passage.
They walked through the arch into the courtyard.
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Arc
Part of the circumference of a circle or curve.
The arc of the circle was precisely calculated.
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Arch
A usually curved structure forming the upper edge of an open space and supporting the weight above it, as in a bridge or doorway.
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Arc
A continuous portion of a curved line.
He drew an arc on the board with a compass.
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Arch
A structure, such as a freestanding monument, shaped like an inverted U.
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Arc
Associated with the trajectory of moving objects.
The soccer ball followed a high arc through the air.
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Arch
A curve with the ends down and the middle up:the arch of a raised eyebrow.
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Arc
Defined by curvature and subtended angle.
The arc of the rainbow was a perfect semi-circle.
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Arch
(Anatomy)An organ or structure having a curved or bowlike appearance, especially either of two arched sections of the bony structure of the foot.
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Arch
To bend backward:The dancers alternately arched and hunched their backs.
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Arc
(Astronomy) The apparent path of a celestial body as it rises above and falls below the horizon.
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Arc
A progression of events suggesting narrative cohesion, especially one that rises to a climax and settles to a final conclusion.
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Arch
To form an arch or archlike curve:The high fly ball arched toward the stands.
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Arc
To move or seem to move in a curved path
The stars that arc across the sky.
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Arch
Mischievous; roguish
"She ... was arch enough to inform the queen whenever I committed any folly that she thought would be diverting to her majesty" (Jonathan Swift).
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Arc
(astronomy) That part of a circle which a heavenly body appears to pass through as it moves above and below the horizon.
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Arch
Teasing, ironic, or sardonic
"I know, Edy Boardman said none too amiably with an arch glance from her shortsighted eyes. I know who is Tommy's sweetheart" (James Joyce).
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Arc
(geometry) A continuous part of the circumference of a circle (circular arc) or of another curve.
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Arch
An arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward.
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Arc
(electrics) A flow of current across an insulating medium; especially a hot, luminous discharge between either two electrodes or as lightning.
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Arch
Any place covered by an arch; an archway.
To pass into the arch of a bridge
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Arc
(mathematics) A continuous mapping from a real interval (typically [0, 1] ) into a space.
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Arch
Knowing, clever, mischievous
I attempted to hide my emotions, but an arch remark escaped my lips.
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Arc
A curvature in the shape of a circular arc or an arch; as, the colored arc (the rainbow); the arc of Hadley's quadrant.
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Arch
Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed.
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Arch
Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge.
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Arc
The apparent arc described, above or below the horizon, by the sun or other celestial body. The diurnal arc is described during the daytime, the nocturnal arc during the night.
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Arc
To form a voltaic arc, as an electrical current in a broken or disconnected circuit.
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Arch
Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.
The most arch act of piteous massacre.
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Arc
Used in mathematical calculations.
The geometry problem involved finding the length of the arc.
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Arch
Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad.
[He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.
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Arch
A curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially arches of the feet)
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Arch
(architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
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Arch
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
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Arch
A curved structure spanning an opening.
The stone arch over the entrance was beautifully carved.
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Arch
A structural element that distributes weight.
The ancient Romans were masters of arch construction.
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Arch
A decorative element in architecture.
The garden had an arch covered in climbing roses.
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Arch
Part of a larger structural design.
The bridge's arches were an engineering marvel.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can an arch be decorative?
Yes, arches can be both decorative and functional.
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Does an arc always form a part of a circle?
Yes, it's a segment of a circle's circumference.
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Can an arch be asymmetrical?
Rarely, as symmetry is key to its structural integrity.
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Can an arc represent anything other than a physical curve?
It's primarily a geometric concept but can symbolize other curves.
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Is an arc used in physics?
Yes, especially in discussions of trajectories and circular motion.
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Does an arc have to be a perfect curve?
Yes, it's always a smooth, continuous curve.
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Can an arc be measured in degrees?
Yes, the angle it subtends at the circle's center is measured in degrees.
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Do all bridges have arches?
No, but many bridge designs incorporate arches.
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Is an arc always a part of a full circle?
Yes, it's a portion of a circle's circumference.
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Are arches always made of stone?
No, they can be constructed from various materials.
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Is an arch always part of a building?
Often, but it can also be a standalone structure.
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Are there different types of arches?
Yes, including Roman, Gothic, and segmental arches.
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Can an arc be used to calculate area?
Yes, it's used in calculating the area of sectors and segments.
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Do arches provide structural support?
Yes, they distribute weight and provide support.
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Is an arc important in geometry?
Yes, it's a fundamental concept in geometry.
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Are arches unique to certain architectural styles?
They are used in many styles, but some, like Gothic, feature them prominently.
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Do arcs have practical applications?
Yes, in fields like engineering and physics.
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Do arches appear in nature?
Natural arches can form through erosion and other geological processes.
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Is the concept of an arc ancient?
Yes, it has been understood and used since ancient times in mathematics and astronomy.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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